Nigeria’s National Single Window (NSW) Project is set to transform the nation’s import and export landscape when it officially launches in March 2026, the project’s Director, Tola Fakolade, has revealed.
Speaking on Monday in Lagos at a media briefing with the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), Fakolade outlined the project’s objectives, scope, and phased implementation strategy.
According to Fakolade, the NSW aims to drastically reduce cargo clearance times, cut transaction costs, and improve operational efficiency across Nigerian ports. While acknowledging that the system will not immediately solve all trade challenges, he emphasized its role as a strong foundation for sustained improvement.
“The improvements may not be instant, but they will compound over time and help us reach our destination,” Fakolade said, stressing the importance of collaboration and adoption by stakeholders across the trade ecosystem.
The NSW will offer a single digital interface for traders and agents, facilitating data harmonization, electronic payments, centralised risk management, and greater transparency. Fakolade described the project’s “North Star” targets: reducing import clearance from 12–21 days to 24 hours, cutting average export times from 11 days to one day, lowering physical cargo inspections from 90% to 10%, and aligning clearing costs with neighboring West African countries.
“Our goal is for compliant traders to move goods out of ports within 24 hours, making Nigeria more attractive to investors, particularly foreign manufacturers,” he said.
Citing global examples from Singapore, Benin, Djibouti, and Kenya, Fakolade noted that Single Window systems have consistently improved cargo clearance efficiency and reduced vessel turnaround times. The platform will streamline trade processes through single-document submission and automated manifest sharing among relevant government agencies. Risk management algorithms will flag high-risk shipments while rewarding compliant traders with expedited clearance.
The project will be rolled out in three phases. Phase one, starting March 27, 2026, will cover pre-arrival import permits, air and sea manifests, and centralised risk management. Phase two, scheduled for the second and third quarters of 2026, will address remaining import permits and all export procedures. Phase three, expected in the first quarter of 2027, will focus on customs declarations. Fakolade noted this phased approach will allow for the quick resolution of initial challenges and minimize disruption to trade.
Support centers equipped with internet facilities will be established for licensed customs agents and freight forwarders, beginning with Apapa Port, followed by Onne Port and Ikeja Airport. Fakolade also emphasized the media’s role in building awareness and trust in the new system.
“The more people understand the Single Window, the smoother the launch will be,” he said.
Inaugurated on April 16, 2024, the NSW Project is being implemented in partnership with key agencies including the Nigerian Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Quarantine Service, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
With the March 2026 launch date approaching, Fakolade assured stakeholders that the project team is intensifying efforts to deliver a transparent, efficient, and user-friendly platform designed to boost Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
Nigeria’s National Single Window Project will transform import and export processes by March 2026, cutting clearance times to 24 hours and enhancing trade efficiency, says Director Tola Fakolade.
Nigeria’s National Single Window (NSW) Project, launching March 2026, promises faster cargo clearance, lower costs, and improved trade efficiency, with Tola Fakolade highlighting key targets and phased implementation.
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